OK Paramedics Urge Heat Safety After Game Day Medical Emergencies

The Sooners shut out Louisiana Monroe in their first home opener over the weekend. But OU fans aren't still talking about the win, they're talking about the heat.

Temperatures topped 100 degrees on Saturday. Ushers and security personnel in every section were keeping a close eye on folks.

Dozens were treated for heat exhaustion. Ahead of another game down here this weekend, and more hot temperatures expected, paramedics are urging fans to be prepared.

Sooner fans, 80,000 of them, braved the heat Saturday. Temperatures climbed over 100 degrees for the home opener, keeping medical personnel busy.

Paramedics treated nearly 50 people on site for heat exhaustion, and some were taken to the hospital.

"When you're exposed to heat and have problems with heat, it's a progression," EMSA General Manager Jim Winham said.

Alcohol likely played a factor Saturday for folks who tailgated before the game. Drinking can mask the side effects of heat exhaustion.

"When you do that sometimes you lower your defenses, you lower your guard, [and] sometimes lose track of what you're doing. You become more relaxed, and you may not pick up that you're getting hot," Winham said.

Jim Winham with EMSA says be aware of how much direct sunlight you're getting. Also, drink plenty of water, wear light colored and loose fitting clothing.

"If you start feeling dizzy, nauseated, sick to your stomach, light-headed… you need to either call 911 or get some fluids, get some rest and get out of the sun as soon as you can," Winham said.

The good news is that we have had a cooler summer than usual. EMSA has responded to nearly 280 heat emergencies this summer.

That's down from more than 400 this time last year.